The school year was drawing to a close, yet the air within Hogwarts Castle had not lightened because of it.
On the contrary, an invisible, heavy pressure grew thicker in everyone's hearts as the final exams concluded.
The trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, plus Lia the Cat who was constantly draped over Hermione, had almost turned the corner of the fireplace in the Gryffindor Common Room into their exclusive war room.
"I'm certain Snape wants to steal the Philosopher's Stone," Ron whispered, nervously biting his nails. "He's been targeting Harry all school year and even tried to kill him during the Quidditch match!"
Harry nodded with a heavy heart, his hand instinctively touching the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. Whenever Professor Quirrell drew near, that scar would sear with pain, but Snape's dark, malicious gaze made him feel a more direct threat.
"No, you're both wrong," Hermione's voice was calm and certain. As she absentmindedly stroked Lia's fur in her arms, she analyzed, "Have you forgotten the Cerberus? Hagrid let it slip; he said that besides himself and Dumbledore, he told one other person how to deal with Fluffy—using music."
Hermione paused, her gaze sweeping over her two friends. "During the Christmas holidays, at the Hogs Head Inn, he lost that secret to a hooded stranger. That stranger wants what Fluffy is guarding!"
"That person is Snape!" Harry said immediately.
"Not necessarily," Hermione shook her head. "But regardless of who it is, they know how to get past the first trial. Now that exams are over, there will be fewer and fewer people in the Castle. This is the best time to strike."
Lia shifted in Hermione's arms. She didn't understand the complex analysis, but she could clearly feel the tension coming from Hermione and the anxiety radiating from Harry and Ron. She uneasily hooked the tip of her tail around Hermione's wrist, the small bell on her neck letting out a soft 'ding-ling'.
Hermione patted her soothingly and continued, "We must go tell Dumbledore!"
However, fate always seemed to enjoy playing the cruelest jokes.
On the very afternoon they resolved to find the Principal, Professor McGonagall brought news that made everyone feel as though they had fallen into an ice cellar.
"Professor Dumbledore received an urgent letter from the Ministry of Magic an hour ago and rushed to London overnight," Professor McGonagall's expression was so stern it looked as if it could wring out water. "I'm afraid he won't be back until tomorrow."
A fake letter from the Ministry of Magic!
This thought struck the trio's minds like a bolt of lightning.
Tonight! That thief is going to move tonight!
As night fell, only the crackling of burning wood in the fireplace remained in the Gryffindor Common Room. The three friends and the cat sat together, the atmosphere heavy to the extreme.
"We have to go," Harry's voice wasn't loud, but it was exceptionally firm. "We can't let Snape succeed."
Ron took a deep breath and nodded heavily. "Right!"
Hermione's face looked a bit pale. She glanced at Lia, who had already started dozing in her arms, and felt a fierce struggle within. Below the trapdoor lay unknown dangers. She absolutely could not take Lia into such peril.
"Harry, Ron, you two go first," Hermione decided. "I have to settle Lia. she can't go."
She tried to lift Lia off her and place her on the soft sofa.
However, the moment her hands touched Lia, the previously drowsy Cat-girl snapped her eyes open like a startled cub.
"Meow?"
Lia the Cat sensed Hermione's intention to leave her behind. She instantly stretched and transformed into Lia, hugging Hermione tightly. Her limbs locked onto Hermione's arms and waist, her head burying forcefully into the crook of Hermione's neck, as if trying to embed her entire self into Hermione's body.
"Lia, be good, you'll only be safe if you stay here," Hermione's voice tightened with anxiety as she tried to pry Lia's arms away.
"No... don't..." A broken whimper came from Lia's throat. "Hermione... in danger."
Lia's body was trembling slightly. The moment Hermione decided to leave, her Danger Intuition began screaming frantically. At this moment, she couldn't listen to anything; her only thought was that she could not leave Hermione.
It was as if letting Hermione leave now meant never seeing her again.
The silver collar around her neck, engraved with 'Lia, Hermione's.', followed her trembling, causing the little bell to emit a series of rapid and panicked 'ding-ling-ling' sounds.
Hermione's movements stopped.
Looking at the shivering, mourning Lia in her arms, she couldn't find the heart to be cruel.
"Alright... alright, I'll take you with me," Hermione finally compromised. She sighed, but her voice became incredibly gentle. "But you must promise me, you have to stay in your cat form the whole time, and you cannot leave my side for a single moment."
"Mm!" Lia nodded immediately, though her arms didn't loosen their grip in the slightest.
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